Psalm 9: 8-10

Psalm 9: 8-10

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall Minister judgment to the people in uprightness.  The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

I read a sad story in the newspaper a few years ago. A young teen girl was involved in a murder. I don't remember the particulars of the story but she was sentenced and spent several years in prison.

After prison she began all over again. She had learned her lesson. She got him employment, met a guy. They married and had children. Now this is where the story got picked up. As a mom she was now volunteering at the elementary school where her children went. Someone at the school somehow recognized her and knew her story and felt that for the safety of the children the community should know this "murderer"  was at the school. Instead of just talking to the principal and making sure this woman had been cleared, he chose to notify the newspaper. It hit the front page the next day. Her past was not to be forgotten.

That was a heart-breaker for me. Where was the fairness in that?

Those beginning words of this psalm are so important: "and he shall judge the world in righteousness".

Isaiah 1:18

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be like crimson, they shall be as wool.

D&C 58:42

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

Oh, to live in a world where gospel principles were accepted. This young woman deserved a second chance and in fact should have been praised for turning her life around. We all do stupid things and would not want to be judged by our past.

Verse 9 is equally beautiful. 
The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trouble.

Once again the characteristics of our Heavenly Parents should guide our actions. 

It is estimated that there are 65 million displaced persons throughout the world, all seeking refuge. We cannot say to them "the Lord will be your refuge". Our prayers will not produce food and shelter and security.

Alma 34: 27-28

. . . let your hearts be full, drawn-out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after you have done all these things, if you turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need - I say unto you, if you do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who deny the faith.

Amulek's words here are sharp but important. We who claim to be followers of Christ must become like Him. We must be "a refuge for the oppressed" just as the Lord is. And when we treat others justly and help them in their "times of trouble" as verse 10 says, they will come to trust us.